Carib Scope

分类： sports

  • Race day review for Wednesday, February 18, 2026

    Race day review for Wednesday, February 18, 2026

    The 2026 Ash Wednesday Trophy, a prestigious six-and-a-half-furlong race, concluded a dynamic 10-race program with notable performances and unexpected outcomes. Despite being installed as the 9-5 favorite, Supremasi, ridden by two-time champion Raddesh Roman for trainer Anthony Nunes, failed to contend, finishing without a notable chance.

    In a display of superior class, the American-bred Wall Street Trader (5-2) dominated the field, securing a victory by nearly four lengths. The 2019 champion jockey Christopher Mamdeen piloted the Rowan R Mathie-trained horse to a commanding win.

    The race meeting showcased a series of impressive triumphs. Jockey Robert Halledeen, following a 67-1 longshot ride earlier in the week, opened the card with a win aboard the 6-1 bet Bobbytwobad. The five-year-old chestnut, owned and trained by Robert French, led prominently throughout the five-and-a-half furlong gallop to win by over two lengths.

    Trainer Peter-John Parsard emerged as a dominant force, securing a remarkable triple victory. His success began with US-bred Miss Marabella (8-5), guided by 2022 champion Dane Dawkins to a 3.5-length victory over the even-money favorite Bowmore (USA) in the five-furlong straight course. Parsard’s second win came with Bangarang (5-2), where visiting former three-time champion Anthony Thomas demonstrated exceptional skill to secure a head victory. Parsard completed his triple with Midnight Galaxy (1-5), who delivered a 13-length canter under two-time champion Shane Ellis in the seven-and-a-half furlong event.

    The meeting wasn’t without controversy. The Nunes-Roman team found redemption in race three when their Canadian-bred Miss Grove (4-1) was awarded victory after the initial winner, Danka, was disqualified for interference in the final stretch.

    Additional notable performances included Tevin Foster’s riding double aboard Minnehaha (3-5) and Summer Palace (6-5), the latter completing a stable one-two finish for trainer Jason DaCosta. Spencer Chung earned the Training Feat Award for preparing seven-year-old General Chief to a dominant 9-length victory, while Anthony Thomas received the Jockeyship Award for his exceptional ride on Bangarang.

  • Montego Bay Boys Club goes after second win

    Montego Bay Boys Club goes after second win

    The St James Football Association/Sandals Resorts International Major League continues this weekend with a series of compelling matches that promise to deliver intense football action. All eyes will be on Montego Bay Boys Club as they seek to maintain their perfect start to the season against newcomers Montego Bay United City FC in Friday’s headline clash at Wespow Park (3:30 pm kickoff).

    The Boys Club squad enters the match with momentum following their convincing 2-0 victory over Bogue FC in Monday’s season opener. Their opponents, MoBay City FC, will be making their highly anticipated season debut, adding an element of unpredictability to this local derby.

    Friday’s schedule features another significant encounter as former champions Granville United Real MoBay AFC face off at the Granville Community Centre. Both teams will be desperate to secure their first victory of the campaign after disappointing opening results. Granville United squandered a winning position through an unfortunate own goal to draw 2-2 with Norwood Strikers, while Real MoBay AFC suffered a 3-1 defeat against Faulkland FC.

    The weekend action continues on Saturday with four additional fixtures that could reshape the early league standings. Zone A joint-leaders Faulkland FC and Reggae Youths will both pursue consecutive victories against Norwood Strikers and Wadada FC respectively. Faulkland FC’s match against Norwood Strikers will take place at Albion, while Reggae Youths host Wadada FC in the opening game of a Jarrett Park double-header commencing at 1:30 pm.

    Saturday’s other matches see Lilliput Rovers entertaining Cambridge United at Spot Valley High, followed by the second Jarrett Park encounter between Bogue FC and Heights FC at 3:30 pm.

    Full Weekend Fixture Schedule:

    Friday:
    • Granville United vs Real MoBay AFC (Granville Community Centre, 3:30 pm)
    • MoBay City FC vs MBBC (Wespow Park, 3:30 pm)

    Saturday:
    • Norwood Strikers vs Faulkland FC (Albion, 3:30 pm)
    • Lilliput Rovers vs Cambridge United (Spot Valley High, 3:30 pm)
    • Reggae Youths vs Wadada FC (Jarrett Park, 1:30 pm)
    • Bogue FC vs Heights FC (Jarrett Park, 3:30 pm)

  • PSG decide not to appeal 60 million euros Mbappe payment

    PSG decide not to appeal 60 million euros Mbappe payment

    PARIS — French football powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain has opted against appealing a labor court ruling mandating payment of approximately €61 million ($71.8 million) in outstanding wages and bonuses to former star forward Kylian Mbappé. The club confirmed its decision to AFP on Friday, effectively closing a protracted legal dispute that had lingered since December.

    The court had initially granted PSG a one-month window to file an appeal, which expired without action from the club. In an official statement, PSG explained its position: ‘In the interest of responsibility and to definitively conclude an overly prolonged procedure, the club has chosen not to extend this dispute.’

    This settlement concludes a significant chapter in the club’s history, with PSG emphasizing its forward-looking focus: ‘Paris Saint-Germain is now resolutely turned towards the future, focused on its sporting project and collective success.’

    The breakdown of the payment, as detailed by the labor court, consists of €55 million in unpaid salary and an additional €6 million in holiday pay entitlements. Mbappé, who now plays for Real Madrid with an estimated annual salary of €30 million, spent seven seasons with PSG, scoring 256 goals in 308 appearances. Notably, PSG secured their first Champions League title in the season following his departure.

  • Floyd Mayweather to come out of retirement

    Floyd Mayweather to come out of retirement

    LOS ANGELES — Boxing legend Floyd Mayweather has declared his intention to return to professional competition following his upcoming exhibition match against Mike Tyson, ending his seven-year retirement from official bouts. The 48-year-old undefeated champion made the announcement Friday through an exclusive statement.

    Mayweather, who retired in 2017 with a perfect 50-0 record, revealed he has signed an exclusive promotional agreement with CSI Sports/Fight Sports. The partnership will commence after his exhibition encounter with Tyson, though the specific date for that matchup remains unconfirmed.

    “I still possess the capability to establish new records within boxing,” Mayweather asserted. “Whether through my forthcoming event with Mike Tyson or my subsequent professional return, no other athlete can match the revenue generation, global viewership, or live gate attendance that my events consistently deliver.”

    While opponent details remain undisclosed, sources indicate Mayweather’s professional return is preliminarily scheduled for summer 2024. Additional information regarding both the Tyson exhibition and professional comeback will be revealed in upcoming weeks.

    Since his official retirement after defeating UFC superstar Conor McGregor in 2017, Mayweather has participated in multiple exhibition contests. These include a August 2024 victory over John Gotti III in Mexico, along with matches against reality television personalities and digital content creators.

  • Julien Alfred honoured with commemorative stamp

    Julien Alfred honoured with commemorative stamp

    The Government of Saint Lucia has permanently enshrined track star Julien Alfred’s Olympic achievements by featuring her on a national postage stamp. The official launch ceremony on February 18, held during the nation’s Independence 47 celebrations, honored Alfred’s groundbreaking gold and silver medal performances at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

    The commemorative stamp series captures pivotal moments from Alfred’s historic athletic accomplishments and will be incorporated into the island’s official philatelic collection. Following her Olympic success, the two-time medalist was additionally appointed as a tourism ambassador for Saint Lucia.

    In a significant development, the government revealed plans to transition the stamp from commemorative to definitive status. While commemorative stamps are typically special-issue collectibles celebrating specific events or personalities, definitive stamps serve as standard postage for everyday mail. This elevation means Alfred’s likeness will transition from a limited-edition tribute to a permanent feature of the nation’s postal system.

    Alfred participated in the ceremony via virtual call, expressing profound gratitude for the honor. “To be honoured by my island in this way is deeply humbling,” she stated. “This place shaped me into who I am: my values, my strength, and my dreams. I accept this not just for myself, but as a symbol honouring the strength of a united community.”

    Education, Youth Development and Sports Minister Kenson Casimir emphasized the symbolic importance of the stamp, noting that it transforms Alfred’s achievements into “a permanent national symbol.” He elaborated that each envelope bearing Alfred’s image would tell a story of “a small island nation that produces world-class talent” and serve as inspiration to youth that “excellence will be recognised, discipline matters, dreams are valid, and with hard work, guidance, and opportunity, Saint Lucians can stand amongst the best in the world.”

  • Dominica’s Senior Women’s National Football Team set to face Guyana next week

    Dominica’s Senior Women’s National Football Team set to face Guyana next week

    Following a historically challenging 18-0 defeat against Jamaica, Dominica’s Senior Women’s National Football Team is undergoing intensive reconstruction ahead of their critical CONCACAF qualifier against Guyana on February 27th. The coaching staff has implemented a comprehensive training regimen addressing multiple deficiencies exposed during their opening match.

    Assistant Coach Sheldon Casimir provided transparent assessment of the team’s current state, acknowledging Jamaica’s formidable quality while identifying specific improvement areas. “Despite the devastating result, our defensive organization—paradoxically our strongest aspect against Jamaica—requires immediate enhancement,” Casimir stated. “We’re prioritizing physical conditioning, mental awareness, and defensive coordination to narrow the gap against elite opponents.”

    The team faces unique logistical challenges with six overseas-based players joining limited preparation time. Casimir emphasized the importance of developing team cohesion: “We’re utilizing these additional days to integrate our overseas contingent and establish effective on-field communication patterns.”

    Technical preparation has been hampered by insufficient match footage for analysis. The coaching staff relies primarily on recent tournament recordings and the Jamaica match for tactical insights. “Ideal preparation would involve numerous practice matches with comprehensive video review,” Casimir explained. “Unfortunately, our current development phase doesn’t permit this luxury.”

    Psychological recovery represents another critical focus area. The coaching staff acknowledges the demoralizing effect of their record defeat and is implementing morale-building strategies. Casimir highlighted the need for professional psychological support: “We expect elite performance without corresponding mental training. Maintaining positive mindset progression is essential—being better today than yesterday, and better tomorrow than today.”

    The team departs for Guyana on February 23rd with renewed determination. The Dominica Football Association continues rallying domestic and international support as the women’s squad pursues their qualification objectives despite significant competitive challenges.

  • Nestor breaks 48-year-old school record

    Nestor breaks 48-year-old school record

    In a historic moment for collegiate basketball, University of North Texas senior Megan Nestor has demolished a nearly half-century-old rebounding record with at least four games remaining in the regular season. The 6-foot-4 center from the coastal village of Canaries, Saint Lucia, achieved her 17th double-double of the season during Tuesday night’s dominant 84-54 victory over the University of Alabama-Birmingham at the Super Pit arena.

    Nestor entered the contest requiring just six rebounds to surpass Sharon Shelton’s longstanding record of 364 boards set in 1978. She accomplished this milestone early in the third quarter and finished with an impressive 14 rebounds alongside 16 points on exceptional shooting efficiency—making all nine field goal attempts and converting a perfect 7-7 from the free-throw line. The celebration became particularly memorable as Nestor’s mother was present to witness her daughter’s extraordinary achievement.

    The record-breaking performance places Nestor among elite company in NCAA women’s basketball. Maintaining her current pace would make her only the third player since the 2019-20 season to average 14+ rebounds per game, joining Angel Reese (LSU) and Lauren Gustin (BYU) in this exclusive category. Furthermore, she is positioned to challenge the American Conference’s single-season rebounding record of 418 set by South Florida’s Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu in 2023.

    Nestor’s consistency has been remarkable, with double-digit performances in points and rebounds in 12 of her last 13 games. Her 17 double-doubles place her just one behind the current national leaders.

    Reflecting on her journey from NAIA competition, Nestor expressed both surprise and satisfaction: ‘Coming from the NAIA level, I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to do it. It feels really special. Being recognized and doing what I’m doing with my team just means a lot to me.’

    The Mean Green (15-11, 9-5 American) have found their rhythm with four victories in their recent outings, including three consecutive wins at home. The team delivered a comprehensive performance against UAB, with five players scoring in double figures while the defense limited opponents to 54 points and forced 19 turnovers. North Texas also matched its season-best with only six turnovers and played a flawless second half without a single giveaway.

  • Association of National Olympic Committees of the OECS (ANOCES) Press Release

    Association of National Olympic Committees of the OECS (ANOCES) Press Release

    In a significant development for Caribbean sports, the Association of National Olympic Committees of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (ANOCES) has finalized a comprehensive partnership agreement with Panam Sports for their NOC Strengthening Programme, effective throughout 2026. The landmark agreement was formally announced on February 18th, 2026, from the ANOCES headquarters in Basseterre, St. Kitts.

    ANOCES President Ephraim Penn expressed considerable satisfaction with the negotiated arrangement, highlighting the extensive preparatory work undertaken by his executive team. The initiative, initially presented to Panam Sports President Neven Ilic the previous year, represents a strategic investment in the athletic future of the Eastern Caribbean subregion. President Penn emphasized the program’s potential to cultivate successive generations of athletes who will represent member nations at both regional and international multi-sport competitions, as well as individual championships organized by International Federations.

    The tripartite program structure encompasses three distinct but interconnected initiatives:

    The Sports Competitions Programme will provide organizational support for five designated sports: Athletics, 3×3 Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Swimming, and Table Tennis.

    The Coaches, Referees, and Technical Officials Education Programme will focus exclusively on professional development through specialized training courses to enhance technical expertise across the region.

    The Methodologists Support Programme is designed to strengthen the operational capacity of sport methodologists currently supporting National Olympic Committees within ANOCES, ensuring dedicated assistance during regional and continental competitions.

    The ANOCES Executive Committee has finalized the allocation of grant funds from Panam Sports specifically for the organization of these competitions. Financial disbursements will be directed to host National Olympic Committees to offset critical organizational expenses including athlete and official accommodations, meals, local transportation, trophies, medals, venue preparation, rental costs, and other competition-related expenditures.

    The 2026 competition schedule receiving grant support includes:

    – ANOECS Athletics Championships (July 4-5) in Basseterre, St. Kitts/Nevis
    – ANOECS 3×3 Basketball (May 23-24) in Tortola, British Virgin Islands
    – ANOECS Beach Volleyball (July 10-12) in Basseterre, St. Kitts/Nevis
    – ANOECS Table Tennis (December 6-8) in St. Lucia
    – ANOECS Swimming (November 6-8) in St. Lucia

    ANOCES has extended its profound gratitude to Panam Sports for their continued collaborative partnership, recognizing the significant investment in the athletic development of Eastern Caribbean youth.

  • Cricket West Indies Welcomes Livpure as Official Jersey Sponsor for West Indies Men

    Cricket West Indies Welcomes Livpure as Official Jersey Sponsor for West Indies Men

    Cricket West Indies (CWI) has secured a significant sponsorship agreement with Livpure, a prominent water purification and home appliances brand, marking a new chapter in the commercial development of West Indies cricket. The partnership, announced on February 19, 2026, designates Livpure as an official jersey sponsor for the West Indies Senior Men’s Team during two major upcoming tournaments.

    The sponsorship arrangement encompasses both the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, currently underway, and the West Indies white ball tour of India scheduled for September and October 2026. The India tour will feature three One Day Internationals and three T20 International matches, providing extensive visibility for the brand across multiple formats.

    CWI President, The Hon. Dr. Kishore Shallow, emphasized the strategic importance of this collaboration, stating: ‘This partnership reflects the enduring global appeal of West Indies cricket and our ability to attract respected international brands. Such strategic alliances are fundamental to supporting the growth, competitiveness, and long-term sustainability of cricket throughout the Caribbean region.’

    The timing coincides with the West Indies Men’s strong performance in the ongoing T20 World Cup, where the team has already secured qualification to the Super Eight stage. Their next match against Zimbabwe on February 23 presents an immediate platform for the new sponsorship visibility.

    Chris Dehring, CWI Chief Executive Officer, highlighted the market significance of the partnership, particularly noting the value in key cricket markets like India where the West Indies team maintains substantial commercial appeal.

    Brand placement will vary by tournament according to regulations. During the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Livpure’s branding will appear on the leading arm of the team’s shirt, while during the India tour, it will feature prominently on the front of the shirt, subject to international playing conditions and approvals.

    Rakesh Kaul, MD & CEO for Livpure, expressed enthusiasm about associating with the iconic West Indies team, noting the alignment between the brand’s values and the team’s passionate global fan base. The partnership aims to engage millions of cricket fans worldwide, particularly during the high-profile T20 World Cup hosted across India and Sri Lanka.

    This sponsorship represents CWI’s ongoing commitment to developing sustainable commercial partnerships that enhance team competitiveness while expanding the global footprint of West Indies cricket.

  • Column: Evaluatie voetbalopleidingen

    Column: Evaluatie voetbalopleidingen

    The Surinamese Football Association (SVB) has pursued World Cup qualification for decades with unwavering determination, yet the elusive goal remains just beyond reach. Despite numerous strategic approaches and promising campaigns, the national team continues to face heartbreaking near-misses in international competitions.

    During the most recent qualification cycle, Suriname’s ‘Natio’ squad appeared poised to secure direct qualification until a final-match collapse forced them into a precarious playoff position scheduled for March. This pattern of disappointment has become familiar to Surinamese football enthusiasts, who have watched talented generations fail to reach the sport’s highest international stage.

    The current debate centers on team composition strategy. SVB has recently implemented the ‘Natio New Style’ approach, fielding a Surinamese-origin head coach leading a squad primarily composed of professional players with Surinamese heritage playing abroad. This strategy has gradually reduced local player representation to just one reserve goalkeeper, raising concerns about domestic development.

    While this formula has produced Suriname’s strongest team to date, a vocal contingent of coaches and sports journalists advocates for greater inclusion of local talent. However, several local players who have trained alongside international professionals have honestly acknowledged their technical shortcomings, prioritizing national team success over personal participation.

    Football analysts suggest the solution lies not in sentimental selection but in structural reform. The focus must shift to evaluating and enhancing local training programs, revising curricula, and upgrading coach qualifications. Professional clubs may need to implement higher coaching standards, with mandatory continuing education for existing staff and replacement of those unwilling to improve.

    The most promising path forward appears to be strengthening collaboration between SVB and Surinamese-origin football experts working abroad, with emphasis on knowledge transfer to domestic training programs. Comprehensive improvements across all development facets offer the best hope for elevating local football standards and finally achieving that long-awaited World Cup appearance.